Charles A. Petruzzi
SMETHPORT- Charles A. Petruzzi, 95, of Route 46, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2014) in the Lakeview Senior Care & Living Center, Smethport.
Born December 28, 1918, in Betula, PA, he was a son of Fred and Justina Mecci Petruzzi. On Dec. 10, 1942, in Tampa, FL, he married Elizabeth J. Gunn, who died Jan. 6, 2009.
Mr. Petruzzi was longtime resident of the area and a graduate of Smethport High School, Class of 1937.
Charles had worked in both Washington, DC and West Virginia. He worked his way up to Division manager-engineer over all buildings and engineering with Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. and later retired from Bell Telephone-ATT with 31 years of service.
He was a veteran of WWII and Korean War, having served with the US Army. He began his military career as an enlisted solider achieving the rank of Sergeant. He became an officer with the signal corp and was active in the European theatre during WWII, and landed on Omaha Beach (Normandy) where he was awarded the Bronze Star, and continued on in Northern France. Ardennes, Rhineland, and central Europe. He retired after WWII, a captain. He reenlisted in 1950-52 in the Korean War and retired a major.
He was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church of Smethport, VFW Post 2497, American Legion, Bucktail Post 138, both Smethport, Smethport Country Club where he and Elizabeth, were longtime members of the Couples League.
Surviving are a son, John A. (Connie) Petruzzi of Melbourne, FL; a daughter, Patti Jane (John) Meilbye of Merritt Island, FL; four grandchildren; John, Robert and James Petruzzi, and Chris Meilbye; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Elizabeth, and seven brothers; Paul, Elmer, Frank, Leo, James, Fred, and Theodore Petruzzi,
There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2014) with Rev. Vince Cieslwicz, pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, officiating.
A military service will be conducted by the Bucktail Post Honor Guard, Smethport, following the service at the cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

Condolences can be made to: John A. Petruzzi
950 Hart Place
Melbourne, FL 32940